Expert: Robin Sexton - 1/6/2010

Question
Ian on probation with a county and am currently in another county, if i get picked up before the 90 day turn myself in due date, can i receive a felony for absconding, and if i pass state lines and get picked up in another state, does it then become a Federal charge? Misdemeanor charge, D.V. 18 mos, 5 mos in i got it revoked. They don't know where Liam. If they find out but don't have an address at what lengths do they go to find me? and ive already been sentenced to 30 days, and filled those in July! I'm kind scared but i hate not knowing the end result! Please help me!!!!

Answer
Grace,

It is really hard to give you much information on this situation because of the many variables.  I also had some difficulty understanding everything in your question.
I read that you were originally sentenced to 18 months, served 30 days in jail and have been released for approx 5 months until you left the county.  While out i assume you are on probation with certain reporting requirements.  I don't know how long you have not reported or even if there is a probation violation warrant issued.  Violating your probation order can subject you to serving your remaining time, in this case approx 11 months in jail.  The probation violation will not be a Federal charge but could be classified as a felony and then you would be subjected to possible extradition from another state.  How hard will they look for you ? probably not real hard.  Time is on their side and sooner or latter the vast majority of people get arrested.
My suggestion would be to try and determine if there is a warrant out for you. If so contact an attorney back where you were on probation and see what can be worked out.  The charge won't magically disappear and the longer it takes the more likely you could be sentenced to jail.

If you need more clarification please recontact me

Good luck

robin